The high-intensity dust storm followed by thunder showers which hit part of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and NCR region on May 2 left more than 70 people dead and 100 others injured.
Huge damage to life and property was reported during the storm. Numerous houses collapsed and electricity poles and trees were uprooted. The storm has resulted in huge traffic jams in NCR and other states.
Contingency funds had been released to the administration of affected districts and Rs 4 lakh would be given to family members of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh to persons who have sustained 60 percent injuries, and Rs 60,000 to people with 40 to 50 percent injuries, said Hemant Kumar Gera, state secretary for disaster management and relief.
Major destruction was reported in Alwar. “Five persons have died in different incidents due to the dust storm. We have alerted health department officials, including doctors, power department and district administration officials to provide treatment to those injured and repair the damage caused by the storm in the district,” has said Rajan Vishal, Alwar district collector.
“Agra was the most affected district in Uttar Pradesh, State Revenue and Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar reportedly said. He also said that relief would be given within 24 hours to the affected people.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has expressed grief over the incident and said authorities concerned had been directed to ensure all possible help to victims and victims’ families.
